Venezuelan students have called off a hunger strike that they began more than three weeks ago to protest alleged human rights abuses in the South American nation and the jailing of people they consider political prisoners.

Reports say the strike was called off Tuesday because the Organization of American States is discussing the allegations of rights abuses. The protesters also have demanded the OAS investigate the cases of more than two dozen government opponents who the students say have been prosecuted on politically motivated charges.

Several hunger strikers had been camped outside the Caracas office of the OAS during the strike.

Last week, the United States urged Venezuela to allow a visit by OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza, but the government in Caracas accused Washington of meddling.